Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:


Warning.  "Warning Will Robinson"!!!

I hate to say it, but DO NOT turn the engine clockwise from that position on the port side (yes, I was a sailor).  In fact, never turn the engine in a direction opposite the direction of operating rotation.  

Rule of thumb...rotation direction on all bike engines (except flat horizontal ones) is always the same direction as the tire rotation.  See the arrows on the tire side walls?  Turn the engine that way only...it doesn't matter which side you're on.

Reason #1 - the engine turns counter-clockwise from the left side...

Reason #2 - that timing bolt on the rotor is left hand thread....that is a loosening direction.

Reason #3 - turning that way is rotating the cam chain backwards which puts any cam chain slack in the wrong direction through the gears and the tensioner, and the valves aren't timed correctly (in reverse)...

Reason #4 - you are rotating the starter clutch in the wrong direction...which is turning the starter gears against the starter....the clutch is engaged in that direction.

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:

Thanks Greg, I was just figuring out how to explain the issue of rotation. Think we discussed this way back.

Greetz
Kropatchek

Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:


Just another point.  I think that my SSM specifically states not to rotate it that way, but I knew it anyway from experience.

No telling the interpretation in the Clymer.  They could have been referencing it from the starboard side instead of port, too.  On the clutch side that would be correct.  In this case, it is a matter of having the experience to know to "read between the lines".

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Sounds like it is working fine so just leave it alone.  I was only using your post as a lesson for everyone.  You are using your manual and working on your bike.  That is commendable.  In time, the whole engine will be a simple spinning animation in your head and these details will be second nature.  Keep it up    

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:

I'll check it again but I'm pretty sure it specified the left side because they went through removing the timing cap there first.  They even show a picture of the wrench I got for it.  Mine is Motion Pro and they state Honda makes one.  Anyway, good stuff to remember and I guess I'll leave it alone then.  I was just concerned because you pointed out that the valves aren't time properly when turning it in reverse.  Thanks for the advice.  As always, it's much appreciated.

Note:  I've also decided to order the factory manual.

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:

They were too loose from the way I'd set them the night before when they were not at TDCC but I did not run her because I was not satisfied at all that I'd done it correctly.  
And yes, she did purr last night and this morning on the way to work - no clatter that I could discern.
Oh, and I guess I spoke a little early on the backfires.  I still have a few.  I may still have a slight exhaust leak and I know my carb is not quite yet where I want it (stuck idle mixture screw and such).  I'll get her there though.

Rob (and all the other Savage rocker-heads),
The Savage cam is tame. If your rockers were loose and you were on the mark, you are OK. The Savage's OHC cover makes it a little trickier to watch. On a V-8 pushrod motor where you can see both rockers this is the easy way, but this works for any conventional 4-stroke:

Forget the timing mark, just bump the motor.
Adjust the Intake valve lash when the EXHAUST valve begins to open, this will assure that the intake valve is on the heel of the intake lobe.

Adjust the Exhaust valve when the INTAKE valve has just closed so the exhaust is on its base circle.

When I say bump it, just tap the starter so you get no crank speed.
If you think you bumped it too far or the crank coasted past where it should be, just bump the starter a few more times, to roll the crank around twice(=1 time for the cam) and bring the opposite rocker to the right position and make sure you are able to rattle the rocker you are adjusting up and down a little before you set the lash.
Oh yeah, since this is a thumper you may need to pull  the spark plug to get the crank to stop in the right position.
 
easy huh


Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:

wheres the timing plug at? can you use normal tools to remove it?